- Printers
- Inkjet printer
1688
Canon PIXMA TS8300 support code 1688: ink tank has run out
Evidence linked to this decision
View source: Canon PIXMA TS8300 support code 1688Risk level
Medium
Proceed carefully and stop if the check is unclear.
Urgency
Medium
Quick answer
Support code 1688 on a Canon PIXMA TS8300 series printer means the ink has run out and printing is stopped. Check the touch screen to see which ink tank is empty, replace that ink tank with a new one, and close the scanning unit / cover rather than printing empty.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Never touch the metallic parts or other parts inside the printer, do not remove two or more ink tanks at the same time, and do not leave the orange tape on the Y-shape air hole (D) when replacing a tank.
- Avoid disabling the function for detecting the remaining ink level by touching Stop for at least 5 seconds; Canon warns that printing under the current condition may damage the printer, that the disabled state is memorized, and that Canon shall not be liable for any resulting malfunction.
Safe checks you can perform
- Read the touch screen and Estimated ink levels to see which tank ran out
- Install a new ink tank properly and close the scanning unit / cover
- Check print quality after automatic print head cleaning finishes
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Have authorised Canon service inspect the printer if ink-out override caused damage
- Do not attempt this professional task: Verify consumable condition with the supplier if a replacement tank fails immediately
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Have authorised Canon service inspect the printer if ink-out override caused damage
What they doIf someone held Stop for at least 5 seconds to disable remaining ink level detection and continued printing under the ink out condition, and the printer now suffers print failure or streaking even with new ink tanks, contact authorised Canon service.
They must show youthe white ink tank indicator on the touch screen or service log alongside a print head diagnostic test.
In writingthe service assessment of the print head and whether out-of-warranty repair is required due to memorized ink-out printing.
Verify consumable condition with the supplier if a replacement tank fails immediately
What they doIf a newly installed replacement ink tank causes clogged nozzles or fails to report ink levels properly right away, ask the consumable seller to verify that the tank was factory-new, sealed, and within its usage window.
They must show youthe touch screen status screen and faint or streaked print sample alongside the tank packaging.
In writingconfirmation of the replacement ink model number and a replacement or refund for any defective consumable.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Read the touch screen and Estimated ink levels to see which tank ran out
- Who:
- You can check the touch screen directly on the Canon PIXMA TS8300 series printer.
- How:
- Note the depleted ink color shown with support code 1688, and check HOME > Hint > Estimated ink levels to see the status of all tanks and whether any tank is displayed in white.
- Result that matters:
- Which color tank is reported out of ink, whether any other tank is low, and whether any tank appears in white.
- If the touch screen identifies a specific empty tank and you have a matching new tank ready, that confirms the exact slot to replace one by one.
- If an ink tank is displayed in white on the Estimated ink levels screen, that indicates the function for detecting the remaining ink level was previously disabled and memorized.
- Evidence to keep:
- Photograph the support code 1688 message and the Estimated ink levels screen.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS8300 support code 1688 · Checking Ink Status on the Touch Screen (Canon PIXMA TS8300)
Install a new ink tank properly and close the scanning unit / cover
- Who:
- You can replace the depleted ink tank on the printer without tools.
- How:
- With the printer turned on, open the scanning unit / cover, wait for the print head holder to stop at the replacement position, push tab (A) and lift out only the empty tank, remove orange tape (B) and film (C) completely from a new tank without blocking the Y-shape air hole (D), gently lift off orange cap (E), insert the tank at a slant matching the label, press the top until it snaps firmly into place, and close the cover.
- Result that matters:
- Whether support code 1688 disappears after closing the scanning unit / cover and automatic print head cleaning completes.
- If support code 1688 clears and automatic print head cleaning runs when you start printing, that confirms the empty tank was the cause.
- If ink splashes or the printer does not print properly after replacement, that points to orange tape left over the Y-shape air hole (D) or pressing the sides of the tank while the air hole was blocked.
- Evidence to keep:
- Record the date and ink color replaced, and keep the new tank box until printing is verified.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS8300 support code 1688 · Replacing Ink Tanks (Canon PIXMA TS8300)
Check print quality after automatic print head cleaning finishes
- Who:
- You can verify print output once the replacement cleaning cycle finishes.
- How:
- Do not perform any other operations while the printer cleans the print head automatically after tank replacement, then print a test page and inspect ruled lines and text density.
- Result that matters:
- Whether the page prints clearly without white streaks, faint areas, or misaligned ruled lines.
- If the page prints cleanly with solid text and straight lines, that confirms normal ink flow is restored after support code 1688.
- If print results are faint or white streaks appear despite sufficient ink levels, or if printed ruled lines are misaligned, that indicates the print head needs the documented Maintenance Procedure or print head alignment rather than another ink tank.
- Evidence to keep:
- Save the first printed sheet after replacement as a baseline record.
Evidence: Replacing Ink Tanks (Canon PIXMA TS8300)
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Virtual technician
Does 1688 still appear after these checks?
This guided flow uses the exact code and your answers to choose a test, an expected result and the next branch.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Printers
- Brand
- Canon
- Product type
- Inkjet printer
Known code variants
- Canon 1688
- Canon TS8300 1688
- code support PIXMA 1688
- codice supporto PIXMA 1688
- código asistencia PIXMA 1688
- PIXMA support code 1688
- PIXMA Supportcode 1688
What it means
In the Canon PIXMA TS8300 series manual, support code 1688 signals that the remaining-ink detection system has determined that ink has run out in the indicated tank, halting printing and scanning because printing under the current condition may damage the printhead and printer. While Canon documents that holding Stop on the printer for at least 5 seconds disables remaining ink level detection and memorizes that state (showing the tank in white on the touch screen), Canon disclaims liability for any malfunction caused by continuing to print empty. Code 1688 alone does not prove a hardware defect.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Lowsource verified
Never touch the metallic parts or other parts inside the printer, do not remove two or more ink tanks at the same time, and do not leave the orange tape on the Y-shape air hole (D) when replacing a tank.
Evidence: Replacing Ink Tanks (Canon PIXMA TS8300)
- Mediumsource verified
Avoid disabling the function for detecting the remaining ink level by touching Stop for at least 5 seconds; Canon warns that printing under the current condition may damage the printer, that the disabled state is memorized, and that Canon shall not be liable for any resulting malfunction.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS8300 support code 1688
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Ink tank depleted through normal printing on the TS8300 series printerCommon
The ink in the indicated tank has run out during operation, causing the printer to display support code 1688 on the touch screen and pause printing and scanning until you replace the ink tank.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS8300 support code 1688 · Replacing Ink Tanks (Canon PIXMA TS8300)
- Color and black ink consumed during automatic or manual print head cleaningPossible
Canon explains that every ink is consumed during standard cleaning and deep cleaning of the print head, and color ink may be consumed even when black-and-white printing is specified.
Evidence: Replacing Ink Tanks (Canon PIXMA TS8300)
- Used or dried-out ink tank installed instead of a fresh sealed tankLess common
Installing a used ink tank or a tank that was removed and left out in the open can clog nozzles and prevent the printer from informing you properly when to replace the ink tank.
Evidence: Replacing Ink Tanks (Canon PIXMA TS8300)
Sources and technical references
- 1
Canon PIXMA TS8300 support code 1688
Canon PIXMA Manuals · 2019 · official_doc
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